International Internships

Exploring International Internship Opportunities

International internship information is available from the Smeal Office of International Programs, the Smeal Business Career Center, and Penn State Global Education Abroad office. Students interested in interning abroad have a challenging, exhilarating cultural experience that includes a chance to build work skills in a new culture. Opportunities are available in English, and some internships require proficiency in the language of the country. Credit from internships does not count toward Smeal graduation requirements or the International Business Minor.

Third-party International Internship Providers

• Project based semester or summer experience, unpaid
• Student pays a program fee which includes the services of an international internship provider to assist with making an internship connection, providing housing, orientation and ongoing support during the internship. 
• Scholarships are available to cover part of the cost of a summer internship. Apply by the deadline to be considered.
• The grade from an internship seminar class is listed on student’s transcript as IB 199, and counts toward semester and cumulative grade point averages. Credit does not apply toward Smeal graduation requirements or the International Business Minor.
• Smeal student Johnna Hayward in Barcelona "Why an internship when you could start a REAL job?"

Summer Full-Time Internships

See options below. Make your resume sparkle by adding an international internship this summer! Adding cultural interaction to a work experience may result in improved intercultural communication. It is also a chance to expand your view of the global business community.

Placements for the internship are individualized to each student based on the student's experience, background and career goals as well as the providers local network. We encourage students to discuss placement opportunities with the organization directly. Different programs have strengths in different industries and fields.

Part-Time Internship Option in some Fall or Spring Study Abroad Programs

Fall & Spring Study Abroad Programs with International Internships as an Option - These internships are offered on a part-time basis (generally 8-10 hours per week) during a regular semester-long study abroad program where the student is also taking classes for credit.

Perreault Fellows Program

Open to students in the Smeal College of Business. The Perreault Fellows Program supports international internship opportunities for talented undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds that are interested in pursuing careers related to health and the betterment of the human condition broadly speaking. Perreault Fellows participate in pre-departure workshops, do a summer international internship program and have post-internship sessions on their return. Perreault Fellows get significant financial support for their international internship experience.

Perreault Fellows Program: International Internship and Global Leadership Fellowship

Apply by September of the year before for a Summer internship experience.

Summer 2026 International Internship

Application Deadline: January 22, 2026

Other Options

Service Learning Abroad and More Options

Resources: Strickler Office of International Programs; Business Career Center; Penn State Education Abroad Office; Arcadia; Connect 123; CRCC Asia; IES Abroad